Centre County Library and Historical Museum - Keller Letters

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  • Subject = Keller Family; Civil War

About This Collection

The family of Henry Keller were residents of Boalsburg, Pa. in the 1800's. Sophie Keller, daughter of Henry and Margaretta (nee Schneck), is significant because of her participation in a graveside remembrance at the Boalsburg, PA cemetery in Oct. 1864 that blossomed into an annual memorial day event now held in May. Collection covers sixty-one letters and one poem from 1837 to 1893 associated with the life of family members, including Margaretta's kin, with many in the Civil War timeframe.
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1863-04-27 Handwritten letter from Daniel S. Keller to his father, Henry Keller
1863-04-27 Handwritten letter from Daniel S. Keller to his father, Henry Keller
Keller Family; Civil War
Daniel is with the 148th PA Infantry in Virginia. Thirteen members of his unit have applied for furlough. Daniel wants a specific flannel shirt made by his mother or sisters, 3 or 4 pairs of cotton stockings, and a silk handkerchief. Daniel attributes the success of the 148th PA Infantry regiment to Colonel James Beaver who maintained discipline and cleanliness. Daniel's unit received several bugles for signaling for use 'when the voice cannot be heard'. Other Union regiments are moving out but they have not gotten their orders yet, however the officers are having rations cooked which is a signal for movement.
1863-07-29? Handwritten letter from Ada (Adaline S. Keller Hutchison) to her mother, Margaretta Keller
1863-07-29? Handwritten letter from Ada (Adaline S. Keller Hutchison) to her mother, Margaretta Keller
Keller Family; Civil War
Ada writes that she is in Carlisle, PA rather than Harrisburg, PA. Ada's husband, Boyd, and others from the 49th PA Regiment are taking charge of 'drafted men' from Pennsylvania there. Ada is staying at the 'Mansion House'. Ada mentioned a supper with 'a real nice set of dishes'. A Union soldier was killed by a guard for trying to take a horse. Ada asks her mother to send to her some specific clothing and mail it with articles that Boyd requested of his family. Ada noted the damage to Carlisle, PA from the Confederate army shelling.
1864-01-16 Handwritten letter from M. N. Wisewell, Colonel and Asst. to the Provost Marshal General to Corporal Daniel S. Keller
1864-01-16 Handwritten letter from M. N. Wisewell, Colonel and Asst. to the Provost Marshal General to Corporal Daniel S. Keller
Keller Family; Civil War
Daniel received word from the Provost Marshall General's office that his desire for a discharge from the army to finish his education cannot be granted. As an invalid soldier Daniel can still be of service at garrisons or hospitals in keeping an 'able-bodied man' in the field thus 'available in crushing the rebellion'. Daniel's service is just as important.
1864-02-25 Handwritten letter from Daniel S. Keller to his sister, Sallie (Sarah J. Keller)
1864-02-25 Handwritten letter from Daniel S. Keller to his sister, Sallie (Sarah J. Keller)
Keller Family; Civil War
The dampness and cold are causing pain from his war wound but Daniel notes that he is better off than others. Daniel has 18 months more to serve in order to get his Certificate of Conduct from the Invalid Corps. Daniel got one while in the 148th PA Volunteer Infantry. The army will not give him an honorable discharge before then. Daniel therefore will serve out his term 'like a man and a soldier and to leave a record that I (he) shall never be ashamed to refer to'. He is sending along his answers to problems that Sallie gave him involving grammar and arithmetic.
1864-06-02 Handwritten letter from Boyd (A. Boyd Hutchinson) to his wife, Ada (Adaline Schneck Keller Hutchinson)
1864-06-02 Handwritten letter from Boyd (A. Boyd Hutchinson) to his wife, Ada (Adaline Schneck Keller Hutchinson)
Keller Family; Civil War
Boyd writes that he was struck by a canister shot that was nearly spent. It did not penetrate the flesh but it is 'swelled up and sore'. Others in his company were wounded. Boyd told his wife, Ada, 'don't be afraid or anxious'. Boyd noted that 'Providence' took care of him. Boyd was at headquarters and could not get to the front lines due to the 'enemy's sharpshooters'. Boyd reported that they (Union army) captured guns and nearly a thousand prisoners and noted that they (Union army) were nearly at the point that they were at 2 years ago. Boyd mentions that 'Cold Harbor' is the name of an old tavern.
1864-09-29 Handwritten letter from Daniel S. Keller to his sister, Clara Louise Keller
1864-09-29 Handwritten letter from Daniel S. Keller to his sister, Clara Louise Keller
Keller Family; Civil War
Daniel tried to get work for someone but was not successful. Daniel mentioned that two Centre County men 'showed their courage well by sneaking off to Canada' and therefore there will be 'two votes less against "Father Abraham"'. General McClellan is losing support from his men.
1864-11-21 Handwritten letter from Ada (Adaline S. Keller Hutchison) to her mother, Margaretta Keller
1864-11-21 Handwritten letter from Ada (Adaline S. Keller Hutchison) to her mother, Margaretta Keller
Keller Family; Civil War
Ada does not stay at places for any length of time due to Boyd's regiment movements. Ada misses her family. Boyd and Ada may get home for the holidays but very uncertain.
1865-02-06 Handwritten letter from Daniel S. Keller to his sister, Sallie (Sarah J. Keller)
1865-02-06 Handwritten letter from Daniel S. Keller to his sister, Sallie (Sarah J. Keller)
Keller Family; Civil War
Daniel may go to tour the 'Dome of the Capitol' and see the fresco painting just completed at a cost of $40,000. Daniel may try to get into the Treasury Department. Daniel attended a public meeting of the 'Sons of Temperance'.